Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer Search
Western Connecticut State University invites applications, nominations, and expressions of interest for its inaugural Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer, a senior executive role that will help shape how the university operates, serves students, and builds for the future.
About the Opportunity
This newly established role reports directly to the President and serves as a core member of the executive leadership team. The Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer will lead a new Operations Division and help ensure that WestConn’s systems, services, and infrastructure are reliable, responsive, transparent, and aligned with the university’s academic mission.
What this leader will do
The VPO/COO will provide strategic and operational leadership across finance, facilities, technology infrastructure, student-facing business services, and auxiliary enterprises. This is a builder role for a forward-thinking leader who can strengthen systems, improve coordination, and help WestConn work with greater clarity and effectiveness.
What WestConn is seeking
WestConn is seeking a collaborative, solutions-oriented, data-informed leader who can translate strategy into action, build trust across a complex institution, and help create the conditions for students, faculty, and staff to thrive.
Western Rising and the Work Ahead
The search is grounded in Western Rising, the university’s focused strategy for 2026 to 2028. The VPO/COO will help steward the work already underway and build systems that support long-term institutional strength. View the WestConn Rising Focused Strategy.
- Strengthening Foundations Ensuring finances, facilities, systems, and services are stable, modern, and reliable.
- Distinctively WestConn Aligning operations and infrastructure with a student-centered, relationship-rich university experience.
- Regional Anchor and Opportunity Engine Strengthening operational capacity in ways that deepen WestConn’s partnership with the region.
- Culture of Shared Leadership and Renewal Building trust through clarity, collaboration, shared governance, and stronger coordination.
- Creating a Healthy Environment that Cultivates Growth and Thriving Embedding equity, belonging, safety, and well-being into systems, policies, and daily practice.
Portfolio of Responsibility
The Vice President for Operations and Chief Operating Officer will provide executive leadership, accountability, and coordination across the following areas.
Business and Finance
- Financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and decision support
- Internal controls, reporting, and audit coordination
- Administrative services and operational support functions
Auxiliary Services
- Dining and catering
- Bookstore, laundry, vending, and transportation services
- Operational contracts and service quality
Facilities and Operations
- Facilities planning and engineering
- Campus operations and project management
- Access control, one-card services, and venue readiness
Bursar and Cashier’s Office
- Student-facing billing and cashiering
- Collection support and transactional services
- Systems integration to reduce delays and improve consistency
Technology and Cybersecurity
- Infrastructure, systems reliability, and networks
- Cybersecurity and identity and access management
- Enterprise continuity and secure innovation
Media Services and Events
- Media production, printing, photography, and event support
- Conference and venue production coordination
- Technical delivery in partnership with communications and campus partners
Search Process and Transparency
WestConn is sharing this page with candidates and the university community to provide clarity about the search, the opportunity, and the process ahead. Additional updates will be added here as the search progresses.
What the community can expect
- A clearly posted position announcement and application process
- A search committee representing multiple areas of the university
- Regular updates on major search milestones as appropriate
- A process grounded in professionalism, fairness, and respect for candidate confidentiality
Why this search matters
This role will help shape how WestConn functions every day, from student-facing services and facilities to financial stewardship, technology infrastructure, and operational readiness. The search is important because the work is important.
Search Committee
Committee deliberations and diiscussions are confidential. The university community will have the opportunity to meet and provide feedback on finalists. The search committee is advisory to the President.
Ron Thomas, Interim Chief Financial Officer (Co-Chair)
Deanna Cibery-Schaab, Director, WESTCONNect, SUOAF Representative
Fred Cratty, Chief Human Resources Officer
Michael Ercoli, Locksmith, Maintenance & Service Unit President
Lori Mazza, Athletics Director
Gianna Ruby-Dasilva, Student Government Association Representative
Siamack Shojai, Dean, Ancell School of Business
Joshua Sumrell, Director of Inclusion & Belonging
Maria Veilluex, Executive Director, WCSU Foundation
H. Howell Williams, Associate Professor of Political Science
Merisa Williams, Secretary, Administrative Clerical President
Jennifer O'Brien University Senate Representative
AAUP Representative (pending)
Search Timeline
Anticipated timeline. Updates will be shared as needed.
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Now PostedThe position is open and accepting applications, nominations, and expressions of interest.
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March 31, 2026Review of applications begins.
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April 2026Committee review and interviews.
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May 2026Campus engagements.
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By June 1, 2026Final selection announced and transition planning.
Qualifications and Candidate Profile
Required qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field, or comparable preparation through education, certifications, and experience
- Progressive leadership experience in operations and administration within a complex organization
- Ability to lead through collaboration, trust-building, and shared leadership practices
- Experience using data, technology, and process improvement to strengthen service quality and outcomes
- Fiscal stewardship and comfort working with budgets, contracts, risk, and compliance
- Commitment to working effectively in a diverse community and advancing student-centered outcomes
Preferred qualifications
- Master’s degree or terminal degree in a relevant field
- Ten years of senior leadership experience in public higher education or a comparably complex public environment
- Depth in one or more portfolio areas such as facilities, auxiliaries, IT, events, or emergency management
- Experience leading large-scale change, systems modernization, and operational integration
- Experience with unionized and consultative environments
- Commitment to accessibility, sustainability, and community-facing partnership work
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I apply?
Candidates should submit a cover letter that includes the names and contact information for three professional references, along with a resume. Materials should be submitted through the online application portal.
What is the salary range?
The hiring salary range is $228,231 to $285,289, commensurate with experience. WestConn offers a comprehensive benefits package.
Who should I contact with questions?
Questions may be directed to hrpositions@wcsu.edu, with Vice President for Operations/Chief Operating Officer in the subject line.
Will there be updates for the university community?
Yes. This page is designed to serve as a central location for university information about the search.
About Western Connecticut State University
A regional public university with a student-centered mission
WestConn enrolls 4,573 credit students, including 3,696 undergraduates, 627 graduate students, and 260 dual-enrolled students. The university proudly serves 1,473 first-generation students and is committed to expanding access, opportunity, and student success.
Rooted in Danbury and Western Connecticut
WestConn serves as a regional anchor and opportunity engine with deep ties to Danbury and the surrounding region. The university is community-facing, partnership-oriented, and committed to building a stronger future for students and the region it serves.